City setting aside $150,000 to study demographics and needs, not necessarily meaning a new arena
What's been called a burning question at Welland city council has been answered.
City staff told Councillor Graham Speck that a feasibility study on the future of community facilities does not mean a new arena.
He had a $150,000 contract awarded to CS&P Architects clarified. "Which will tell us either the life span of our current facilities, whether they're worth re-investing more money to extend their life, or whether it's better to build another arena, a twin pad, a 3-pad."
He added some people are jumping to conclusions, by pushing back and asking what the $150,000 is being spent on.
City staff noted it's needed to study the changing demographics of Welland.
Director of Community Services Jessica Ruddell clarified further. "What ice availability looks like, what usage in Welland looks like. All those different options, whether it's rehabilitating the existing facility, potentially knocking something down and putting something up exactly where it is, or somewhere else."
She confirmed to Councillor David McLeod it means the Welland Main Arena, built in 1947, could be refurbished, as an example.
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